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The test is truly my albatross...please advise!

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The test is truly my albatross...please advise!

by IWillSurvive » Fri Jan 13, 2012 1:06 pm
Hi Beat the GMAT community,

I am sad to say that I have been on here for a long time, but have not been able to share a success story. I feel the situation is a bit complicated, and I was hoping I could garner some advice.

I have taken this exam multiple times. When in the testing room, my mind goes blank and I forget all of my knowledge. I fall behind in time, and then I just give up. Anxiety is like a crippling fear that just stuns me in my place.

Has anyone else experienced this? I have visited a few blogs where many talented and accomplished professionals consistently score low, so I know it is not my intelligence level. Thus, I am determined that I need to see a professional for test anxiety issues. Has anyone else had to do this?

Also, would anyone recommend any study strategies for a multiple re-taker? I intend to take more practice tests in a simulated test environment. I am convinced that I need more drills and time management skills.

So far, to date, I have the following materials:

Manhattan GMAT - all 8
Power Score - CR and SC
Veritas Prep Book Set - All

Thanks,
A
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by VivianKerr » Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:42 pm
Hi there!

Everyone feels anxiety about these types of tests, and if you feel you are having some major anxiety issues about the test, it definitely makes sense to visit a counselor or other professional.

In terms of prep, looks like you're using good materials, but I'd suggest a focus on strategy and building up your confidence by practicing in test-like conditions.

If you could give a little more info on where you think your weaknesses are, and what strategies you've been using, as well as what your study plan has been, I think everyone on BTG will be able to give you more specific advice going forward.
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by bkw » Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:58 am
hi,

if you believe that you really have tried everything, and that your anxiety is much more extreme than normal, then maybe it is worth visiting a psychiatrist?
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by IWillSurvive » Tue Jan 17, 2012 1:20 pm
To Vivian -

Thank you very much for responding to my initial query.

My study plan was definitely flawed. I never really knew how to properly structure it. Basically, what I did was the following:

Month 1: Studied weak areas in certain math areas (timed drills, book work, etc).

Month 2: Verbal study. See above.

I also took practice tests in between and kept an error log. My time did improve. However, I feel that maybe I did not take enough practice tests? I only took about four. Maybe I should do many more to break through the initial anxiety of taking the test?

I am a very motivated (and or stubborn - depends on how you view it) person, and I refuse to let this test get the best of me. It is very important to me to do well, even if the score I get is only in the mid-600s. This is a great score (to me) and I will feel it reflects the sum total of my complete effort.

Do you all have any recommendations on how I could improve my overall study plan?

I did visit with my therapist last week. He told me that a large majority of his patients have suffered from extreme anxiety, and this is a very clear case of it. He said that with a little time and positive reinforcement, we can turn this around.

Thanks to all!

-A
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by IWillSurvive » Tue Jan 17, 2012 1:26 pm
I apologize, I forgot to mention my weaknesses:

-Word Problems: Time/Distance, Combinatorics, etc.

-Geometry: Triangles

I generally do not have a problem with verbal, but I do tend to blank out on the rules of sentence correction when I am in the test. After the math section, I get very discouraged. This generally tends to suppress any desire I have to move forward.

Ironically, I get a perfect score on the essays every single time. I used to be an English writing tutor, so this explains that!

Thanks.
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by FutureWorks » Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:16 pm
Hello A,

Firstly we would say that stay positive and such anxieties are common during exam preparation
time. Juggling between work and studies is tough so you need to define a significant time for your
GMAT preparation. Sometimes taking few days off work for preparing for the GMAT can help a
person tremendously. If you have time this may not be a bad idea. Take practise GMAT tests to see
how you are doing. If you cannot do that don't worry. What might work instead is to set aside 1-
2 hours at night on weekdays and major part of your weekend to study and prepare for GMAT-
in this case we will suggest a good 2-3 months preparation. However we recommend you to keep
taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas
and you can focus on them accordingly. You might be able to study more than the given hours and
that would take you less than 2-3 months. It all depends on your potential really.

There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. You might need to change your
practise style and try this combination to provide you flexibility and different styles to practise so
it doesn't get monotonous.

It could be combination of-

1-Books- Books like- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal
Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review etc could be used.
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